KLM Cityhopper introduces VR training for pilots

Since yesterday, virtual reality training for pilots of the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft has been available for the KLM Cityhopper. The internally developed VR training courses enable pilots to organise their training time more effectively and at the same time contribute to cost savings. KLM Cityhopper is the first airline to integrate VR into pilot training for Embraer aircraft.

The KLM subsidiary KLM Cityhopper has an Embraer fleet that flies to European destinations. KLM Cityhopper has investigated how VR can be used to respond more flexibly to the different training needs of pilots.

"Virtual reality (VR) makes training more accessible. VR is on-demand and location-independent - pilots don't have to be in a classroom or simulator at a specific time. VR also invites pilots to explore the virtual environment in a safe way", says Sebastian Gerkens, Senior Instructor Embraer at KLM Cityhopper. "Thanks to VR, pilots can familiarise themselves with the cockpit in advance and then use their time in the simulator more effectively."

The new training approach also leads to cost savings, partly because it reduces the number of external providers and allows for more flexible planning of the pilots.

Three applications

The VR training courses for the Embraer 175 and 190 were developed by KLM's own VR experts in collaboration with KLM Cityhopper. The training consists of three applications, all of which are part of the type rating course in which pilots familiarise themselves with the specific characteristics of the aircraft type.

1. Virtual cockpit: The pilot is inside the cockpit, i.e. in an interactive, computer-generated image of the control consoles.

2. Instruction video: The pilot watches a 360-degree POV video of a flight from the cockpit jump seat.

3. Virtual tour: The pilot walks through and around the aircraft, the footage is based on 360-degree photos.

Werner Soeteman, Head of the VR Centre Of Excellence at KLM IT explains: "The interactive virtual cockpit was created entirely on the computer by our team of VR developers and 3D designers. To produce the 360-degree video and photos, one of our VR engineers sat in the cockpit during a flight and operated an advanced 360-degree camera, in close collaboration with the pilots of the KLM Cityhopper.

EASA certification under review

KLM has been exploring the possibilities of using VR in staff training for some time. For example, there are already VR training courses for maintenance technicians and the cabin crew of the KLM Cityhopper. Now the pilots of the Embraer 175 and 190 are being added to this endeavour. The VR courses complement KLM's existing pilot training programme. KLM Cityhopper is currently investigating whether these courses can receive EASA approval, which would replace some of the standard training components such as classroom instruction, cockpit posters and textbooks. The safety and quality of the training will of course always remain the top priority.

Well then, Swiss can only take a leaf out of their book.

Source: presseportal